Could timing this perfect be just a coincidence? You decide.
In a week where Chris Christie is involved in a feud over his weight, Newark Mayor Cory Booker offers a new initiative to get his city’s residents to shape up.
The New Jersey governor this week joked about his weight with late-night host David Letterman. The laughs didn’t last long, though. After catching Christie’s appearance, former White House physician Connie Mariano expressed concern that Christie would run the risk of “dying in office” if he were to win the presidency.
Mariano is no rookie when it comes to treating politicians. She joined the White House Medical Unit in 1992, serving as physician to both George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. But Christie was enraged. When the topic came up at a press conference, Christie said Dr. Mariano was a “hack” and urged her to “shut up” on the topic.
Meanwhile, Mayor Booker announced a new campaign with Weight Watchers, designed to combat obesity in Newark. The obesity issue is more prevalent in Newark than other parts of New Jersey, and this is just the latest in Booker’s attempts to address the issue.
Now, back to Christie.
Apparently that press conference was not sufficient. Dr. Mariano told local reporters in Arizona that Christie gave her a buzz on Thursday. Truce? Not quite.
Take a look at the Hardball Sideshow for the ups and downs of the week in Chris Christie.
Maryalice Aymong